Should Orillia’s Terry Fox Circle be closed to traffic? Study says yes

A vision for Orillia’s most prominent waterfront parklands is generating interest — and in some cases raising eyebrows — around the council table.

Changes proposed in the Downtown Waterfront Parkland Design Study by Studio TLA consulting landscape architects include closing Terry Fox Circle to traffic, save for parks maintenance vehicles and special events.

Coun. Mason Ainsworth was among those speaking out against such a move — should it ever come to pass.

“I’ve been there many times and haven’t seen any issues, as people drive pretty slow,” Ainsworth said.

The proposed measure aims to avoid unsafe pedestrian encounters with cars inside Couchiching Beach Park, while also allowing for an expanded park setting.

Mayor Steve Clarke said the waterfront area involved in the study “is probably the most valuable, loved, visited part of the city.”

Key recommendations include upgrading the Rotary Aqua Theatre, replacing the Dr. Seymour Conservatory with a publicly accessible greenhouse, and establishing a “food hub” for vendors.

Expansion of the skateboard park is also recommended, as is retention of the boat launch with potential measures to minimize its use by larger boats, such as reconfigured parking.

The consultants suggested phasing in projects. A refrigerated skate trail and related works proposed for Centennial Park would surpass $1 million, while an expanded boardwalk and an “art plaza” would fall between $200,000 and $1 million.

While supportive of “some element of skating,” Coun. Jay Fallis was less enthused about investing in a refrigerated trail.

Councillors during a committee meeting agreed to support the design study in principle, while stressing that nothing is set in stone.

“In any proposal of this nature, one is … never going to get uniform, absolutely unanimous acceptance,” Coun. Ted Emond said.

While the study took into account input from the public, Coun. Tim Lauer said residents should have another opportunity to “weigh back in on this” before “anything was even approved in principle.”

Staff recommended priority projects be brought to council during budget for consideration, and the phasing plan be incorporated into the municipality’s 10-year capital plan.